Cromolyn (Nasal)

Cromolyn nasal solution is used to help prevent or treat symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itching caused by seasonal (short-term) or chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis. Cromolyn powder for nasal inhalation is used to help prevent seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis.

This medicine works by acting on certain cells in the body called mast cells, stopping them from releasing substances that cause allergic reactions.

When cromolyn is used to treat chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis, an antihistamine and/or a nasal decongestant may be used alongside this medicine, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

Nasal cromolyn is available without a prescription.

If your symptoms do not get better or if your condition gets worse, talk to your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted in adult patients, and there is no specific information about using nasal cromolyn in children up to 6 years old (or up to 5 years old in Canada) compared to other age groups. In older children, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known if they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of nasal cromolyn in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—These conditions may change the concentration of nasal cromolyn in the body
• Polyps or growths inside the nose—Cromolyn may not be effective if nasal passages are blocked

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Allergic reaction (coughing
• difficulty in swallowing
• hives or itching
• swelling of face, lips, or eyelids
• wheezing or difficulty in breathing)
• nosebleeds
• skin rash

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning, stinging, or irritation inside of nose
• flushing
• increase in sneezing

Less common

• Cough
• headache
• postnasal drip
• unpleasant taste

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Nasalcrom

Available Dosage Forms:

• Spray

Therapeutic Class: Nasal Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.

Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose.

To use:

• Cromolyn solution is used with a special spray device.
• To keep clean, wipe the nosepiece with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap after use.
• To avoid spreading an infection, do not use the container for more than one person.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

In order for this medicine to work properly, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor:

• For patients using cromolyn for seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis, up to 1 week may pass before you begin to feel better.
• For patients using cromolyn for chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis, up to 2 to 4 weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine, although you may begin to feel better after 1 week.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For nasal solution dosage form: For allergic rhinitis: Adults and children 6 years of age (in Canada, 5 years of age) and older—One spray into each nostril three to six times a day until condition is better; then, one spray in each nostril every eight to twelve hours. Children up to 6 years of age (in Canada, up to 5 years of age)—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.